Styrofoam can now be reliably recycled at Edinburgh with new $250k machine

Unsure what to do with those outdated takeaway food containers or packaging from electrical goods? A new recycling centre in the city’s north has the answer.

Styrofoam takeaway containers and packing from electrical goods can now be recycled thanks to a new initiative which processes two tonnes of waste per month.

Polystyrene, which isn’t recyclable in regular kerbside collections, can now be dropped off for recycling at Edinburgh North.

A worker recycling polystyrene. Picture: Supplied.

Building product supplier Foamex has upgraded its manufacturing plant with a recycling machine that allows it to recycle polystyrene from its building customers, other industry, and members of the public.

General manager Justin Kelsey said recycling the common plastic is misunderstood.

“Polystyrene shouldn’t be put in typical recycling bins. But nor should it be put in general waste bins,” he said.

“The truth is, polystyrene is 100 per cent recyclable but recycling it requires a specific process.

“We have bins at our depots to drop off the unwanted often bulky clean polystyrene for recycling.

“We inspect all the packaging to ensure it is free from any sticky tape, food or other contaminants because it needs to be clean for our recycling machine.”

The plant received a $250,000 upgrade with the installation of a state-of-the-art recycling machine, increasing the efficiency of its recycling.

Polystyrene being recycled at Edinburgh. Picture: Supplied.

Foamex collects scrap polystyrene from building sites, factory floors, commercial recycling agreements.

The recycled material is used in the manufacture of about 450kg of new polystyrene products per week.

Members of the public are asked to call before they arrive as a staff member is required to inspect the polystyrene for cleanliness before accepting it.

Clean polystyrene can be dropped off at 15 Peachey Rd, Edinburgh North SA from 8am to 2pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).